Tolls Increase in NY
Drivers using the New York Thruway will be paying more at toll booths next month. The state is ready to trigger thruway toll increases for the first time in ten years. Drivers resisting getting an EZ Pass will be paying more.
Thruway Board of Directors approved a toll adjustment which they say will pay the costs of converting to cashless tolling.
EZPass users will pay about 10% more while drivers without EZ Pass will see a hefty 30% increase or more.
In addition, drivers who receive a bill in the “tolls by mail” program will pay $2 to receive each bill.
Oklahoma Turnpike Update
Oklahoma Turnpike Authority officials say the Gilcrease Expressway Extension is on schedule.
Construction has been steady despite the pandemic. February will mark one year since the project began. Completion is expected in September of 2022.
The completed project will connect Highway 412 and the Tisdale Parkway with I-44 in West Tulsa.
New Arena Coming to Baltimore?
Officials in Baltimore have started the process for redevelopment of the Royal Farms Arena. The Baltimore Development Corporation is considering either renovating the current building or tearing it down to put up a new one.
All proposals must be received by the BDC no later than February 25 of next year.
The Royal Farms Arena, built in 1961, seats over 12,000 people for concerts and other events. The area has been home to various sports teams but has lacked the modern amenities to be used by pro teams.
Washington Wizards and Capitals owner Ted Leonsis has said he would play more games in Baltimore if there were a better venue.
Minnesota Pipeline a Go
Minnesota officials approved the final permit for Enbridge Energy’s Line 3 $2.6 billion crude oil pipeline replacement project.
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency finally granted a much needed permit for the project. The permit was the last hurdle needed to start the project which was held up for years by reviews, court battles, and other forms of red tape.
Top Retailers Put Brakes on Construction
A new report is showing how much the coronavirus pandemic has slowed construction of new retail stores.
Of the 10 companies that spend the most on new projects, seven have had a decline in new production, some significantly.
The biggest decline is seen with Target that has a 43% drop. Target is followed by Aldi's Food Stores at a 27% decrease. McDonalds and Costco both hover around a 20% decrease.
Autozone and Dollar Tree both increased construction of new stores by more than 20%.
Analysts believe the coronavirus pandemic isn't the cause but instead a catalyst to the trend of more and more consumers using online retailers like Amazon. In the first eight months of 2020, 66 brands closed more than 13,200 stores. That total is more than all of the brick and mortar stores that closed in 2019.
